Tucked deep within Chestnut Ridge Park, the Eternal Flame Falls EarthCache (GC10VMY) is a natural phenomenon – a natural gas leak underneath a waterfall that just happens to be burning.

Thanks to Eric and Joe, a.k.a Szuchie and TWU, the natural gas leak under the waterfall is also a difficulty 1, terrain 3 EarthCache located in Western New York that geocachers can explore.

The flame under the cascade of water embodies the spirit of nature that gives the spot an almost sacred feel. It is said that the combination of the falls and the natural gas leak is the only one of its kind on the planet, giving geocachers all the more reason to embark on an adventure to witness nature at its best.

Szuchie and TWU’s inspiration for an EarthCache at this location was simply due to their amazement by what they saw when they first visited the park. Szuchie says, “From a caching standpoint – you don’t get too many things more fantastic than this.”

According to the cache page, ‘upon entering the gorge and approaching the base of Eternal Flame Falls, cachers will notice a change in the ambient aroma.’ That aroma is methane, the natural gas that leaks from the cave, which lies at the base of the waterfalls. The natural gas can be lit to produce the flame.

Hike up to the EarthCache site

The 403 geocachers who logged a “Found it” have shared over 500 incredible images and written the most elaborate logs about their experience.

One geocacher writes, “Wow – what an exceptional place and phenomenon. The Eternal Flame Falls came on my radar when I started checking caches by favorite points and I knew I really wanted to see this. Today was the day since LCSM and I were in the Buffalo area for the Cache-a-Day Challenge Finale. We continued here for our second goal of the day and it did not disappoint. Although the trail is well marked, we missed a turn (when we were distracted by another cache) and ended up on the Orange Trail which took us above the flame where we could see it but not reach it. We circled around, consulted the map at the kiosk, and redirected ourselves for the appropriate approach. I was especially delighted that there was still some water here in the falls despite the dry summer, as it is really the fire and water combination that is mesmerizing. Took our photos and observations, and headed back along the beautiful creek bed. Many thanks for this exceptional EarthCache – I guess there really is natural gas here in NYS! Brought a BBQ lighter but did not need to use it as the flames were already flickering away.”

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Latitude 47 blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.

Share with your Friends:

AMAZING< I spent my whole life in Buffalo. How did I not know about this

gg

FYI, its Eric and Jim…

Carrie

I’m from Buffalo too and I didn’t know about it either!

http://www.facebook.com/mark.seberry Mark Seberry

Wow, that’s awsome! I love Earthcaches, i will bypass other types to find them first. I have seen a few more pop up in our region of Western Australia which i plan to log. I also have an idea for one which i would like to submit soon. Thanks to geocaching for sending us to exciting and interesting places.

f210

Like the light under the falls in LOST!! Love it, gotta road trip to this one!!

IthacaDoodle

Hey, at least they tried to give you credit! I am just “one geocacher.”

Thanks for the great cache Eric and Jim!

-Heidi (IthacaDoodle)

Flintstone5611

It is an amazing place! We used it as a focal point for a little vacation we took and are determined to return in the summer. I was shocked when I was told my pic was in the article, but so glad that this cache is getting some publicity. It is an all time fav of mine!

Rockama~Fantastica

Very very excited about this cache! It seems to be one of those once in a lifetime chance of having everything lined up to make this trip. Just organized a road trip for me & a buddy to set out from Boston driving to Buffalo to find it.
Leaving new years eve day and heading west…
Wish us luck.

Rockama~Fantastica

Road Trip!!!!!!!
Leaving new years eve day!

Gertlady

This area of NY is beautiful! We have a summer home not far away, so have gotten to Chestnut Ridge often. (Mostly to find Letterboxes) Come to western NY to see this wonderful flame and falls and to see the Amish, Niagara Falls, Lake Chautauqua, and beautiful rolling hills. You’ll come back for more!

Welcome to The Geocaching Blog

The Geocaching Blog is the official blog of Geocaching HQ. You'll find geocaching trends, tips, tricks and a quick connection to the worldwide geocaching community.